Matt Thomas

There are currently 81 bank-owned properties listed in MLS that are located Clarke County, GA. Below is a direct link to all 81 (copy and paste into your browser if not a live link):

http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=281&i=395450&k=l3hpAED

Please let me know if you see anything on this list that you're interested in finding out more about, or if you'd like me to email you a similar list for a surrounding county.

Each week, I'll post an update to this list showing the latest bank-owned and foreclosure listings for Athens, GA. Check back frequently to find out first about the best deals.

As a residential Realtor in Athens, I often hear clients speak of school systems as their primary reason for moving. But, it seems that rumors and hearsay are more prevalent than facts when it comes to which schools in the area excel and which fail.

To help with this determination, I've prepared a spreadsheet showing all elementary, middle and high schools in Clarke and all the surrounding counties. For each, I've noted whether or not they meet the state-implemented guidelines, and the # of years they've consecutively done so.

In addition to the categories here, I've also compiled enrollment figures, student-to-teacher ratios, and other important figures for each. While there's not enough room to list them all here, I'd be happy to send you a full report on the schools of interest to you. For these stats, and/or a higher resolution report of the information below, please call or email me anytime.

The number of first-half residential sales in Athens, GA increased compared to the previous year for the first time since 2005-2006. As you'll see from the chart below, the increases are minimal, but it ends a 3-year downward spiral. 433 residential homes were sold in Athens from 01/01/10 - 06/30/10, slightly more than the 397 units from the same period in 2009. However, even with the gain, the total # of sales is still less than half of the total at the peak of the market in 2006/2007.

To some people, statistics are just confusing. To others, it's a way of life.

While I fall somewhere in-between, it is mportant for me to keep track of who's buying and who's selling so I know where to focus my time and resources. It's also interesting information, even for the casual reader with an interest in the local real estate market.

Below are the recent homebuyer trends, as reported by Realtor.com.

• Average homebuyer searches 12 weeks and looks at 12 homes before making a decision.

• 47% of recent purchases were by 1st-time homebuyers, with 53% being from repeat buyers.

• 90% of homebuyers used internet to search for homes, often times even driving by selected properties, before contacting a professional to help.

If you're currently shopping for homes online, please continue to visit our Athens, GA real estate site. There's a link to ALL the homes currently on the market in the Athens-area, and tons of other valuable resources for buyers.

In the past year, I've had the privelage to market two great homes for sale in Oak Grove subdivision. And, recently, I interviewed with another couple there about the possibility of selling their home. After spending many hours studying the statistics, meeting lots of neighbors and touring multiple homes there, I've come to the conclusion that Oak Grove neighborhood is one of the most thoughtfully-designed and charming subdivisions I've seen constructed in recent years.
Situated just off Hwy 129 in western Clarke County, this community features homes, townhomes and condos with turn-of-the-century architecture and modern amenities. The attention to detail is unlike any new construction locally that's comparable in price, and the feeling of community is evident as soon as you pull in.
There are currently 26 properties for sale in Oak Grove, including one of mine at 84 Charter Oak. If you'd like a complete list of the current inventory, or would like to schedule a private tour to experience this great neighborhood for yourself, please call or email me anytime.